The ACA brings some uniformity to healthcare. Even though specific benefits may vary, core requirements are now the same for all qualified health plans. The law’s key provisions mandate they:

Be guaranteed issue— You can’t be denied coverage or charged more based on factors such as your health history and gender.

Include, at a minimum, these 10 essential health benefits:

Ambulatory patient services (outpatient hospital care)
Emergency services
Hospitalization
Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care
Mental health and substance use disorder services
Prescription drug coverage
Rehabilitative and habilitation services and devices
Laboratory services
Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
Pediatric services, including oral and vision care
Cover specified preventive care at no additional cost— These “free” preventive services come in three categories (all adults, women, children) and include certain screenings, vaccinations, and condition-related counseling. You can’t be charged a copay or coinsurance for these preventive services, even if you haven’t met your plan’s deductible.